Tag Archives: the book of Psalms

July 22
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7, NIV)

The “horses” and “chariots” of today are no less alluring than in David’s time. 

As disciples of Jesus, the Lord God is not our “last resort”; as in someone we call on when all of our other schemes have failed, and our other means have been exhausted. On the contrary: The Lord God is our first resource.

In the words of the hymn (“What a Friend we have in Jesus”): “O what peace we often forfeit; o what needless pain we bear. All because we do not carry; everything to God in prayer.”  – Luther

Tagged , , , ,
July 19
1 Comment
Uncategorized

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe.” (Psalm 4:8, NLT)

We are reminded daily of the perils of our time: Disease, injury, war, pestilence, mayhem, shortages. . .  It is enough to keep you up at night!

Times were just as tough and uncertain in David’s time (and his time was probably a good bit tougher that we have it today). Yet, David — the author of today’s psalm — declares that “in peace I will lie down and sleep.” 

David did not derive his peace from his wealth, his military might, his physicians, or his own intelligence.  His confidence was based entirely on God. We do well to do likewise.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
July 17
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“The fool says in his heart,‘There is no God.'”  (Psalm 14:1, NIV)

More than once in the writings of the late sage Oswald Chambers (1874-1917) is found the term,  “practical atheist.”

It is a term that is properly applied to anyone — regardless of his or her declaration of beliefs — who lives as if there is no God.  In a practical sense, even the disciple of Jesus may act as if God isn’t.

For example, when we are blessed with abundance, do we credit God or do we credit our own enterprise and initiative?  When we succeed where others have failed, do we thank God or do we chalk it up to “luck”?  When our minds are clear and when our bodies are ailment-free, do we make joyful haste to the house of worship; or do we prefer instead leisure and activities of our own design?

A more rigorous test of our practical beliefs is not during adversity or personal suffering (when nearly everyone is seeking divine assistance); but during times of abundance and personal ease.  In such seasons, numerous are the temptations to live as if “there is no God.”  – Luther

Tagged , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →